A fit and healthy 20-year-old man was found dead in his bed the morning after a family meal.

Max Lord was discovered by his older sister, Amy, when she went to wake him up.

His devastated mother and step-father, Sallie and John Hackney, described his death as a "mystery".

Mrs Hackney, 43, said: "I have no idea what happened. One minute he was alive and the next he was dead.

"We are a very close family and this has rocked us. We just want to know how he died."

Max, of Hamilton Road, Horsham, had spent the night with Amy, 25, and her two young children at their home in nearby Redford Avenue.

After playing with his nephews he went to bed but was found lifeless at 7am on Saturday morning.

A tearful Mrs Hackney described his as a "loving son" who adored his family and three-year-old black Collie/Alsatian cross, Tessie.

She said: "He was a good boy who loved life, weight lifting and music.

"He also loved his animals and would spend all his time with Tessie.

"It is tragic because the night before he was perfectly fine and had enjoyed spending time with Amy and her boys.

"But in the morning he didn't look right and when Amy went to wake him she couldn't, so she called the ambulance.

"They said he died in his sleep but don't know how it happened. We are waiting for the coroner's report.

"It is a massive shock and everyone is stunned, devastated, we don't know what to say.

"He had loads of friends around here because he lived in this house since he was two and everyone is terribly upset."

Max attended Tanbridge House School in Guildford Road, Horsham, before studying animal care at Chichester College's Brinsbury campus.

After college, he worked as a labourer and gardener but wanted to pursue a career in building and construction.

Max's other sister, Jessica, 22, said: "He was the nicest brother anyone could ever have had.

"He was sweet and considerate and would do anything for his friends and family, especially his nephews.

"We are a very close family and are helping each other try and get through this but we're taking it day by day."

Paramedics were called but were unable to revive Max. he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His funeral takes place on Wednesday at 9.40am at Worthing Crematorium in Horsham Road, Findon.

A post mortem was carried out at East Surrey Hospital, in Redhill, on Monday.

Police are awaiting full results from the post mortem.

A spokesperson for the West Sussex coroner’s office said an inquest into his death had been opened and adjourned.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police are keeping an open mind as to the cause and are describing the death as unexplained."

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